Understanding how to communicate with your child about school safety issues could be pivotal in identifying and preventing violence and easing their concerns about personal safety, experts say.

Mental Health America lists these suggestions:

•Encourage children to talk about their concerns and express their feelings.

•Talk honestly about your own feelings regarding school violence. It is important for children to understand they are not dealing with violence alone.

•Validate the child's feelings and let him or her know that serious school violence is not common.

•Stress that schools are generally safe places.

•Empower and encourage children to report school safety incidents like bullying, threats or suicidal talk.

•Discuss the safety procedures in place at your child's school.

•Create safety plans with your child and help them identify which adults your child can talk to if they feel unsafe at school. Also, make sure that your child knows how to get in touch with you (or other family members, friends) during a crisis.

• Remind your child that they can talk to you anytime about concerns

•Recognize behavior that may show that your child is weary about returning to school. Younger kids may react to school violence by not wanting to go back to school or take part in school-related activities. Teens and adolescents may minimize their fears outwardly, become argumentative, withdrawn or allow their grades to drop.

•Keep the dialogue about school safety open and ongoing instead of just a response to an immediate crisis.

•Seek help when needed. Contact a mental health professional at school or at your community mental health center.